1

Logistics Note Table of Contents

Introduction o Joint greeting o Organisers o Acknowledgement

Conceptual framework o Conceptual Note - Event o Summary of Sendai Framework

Paraguay o Brief Historical Profile o Geography o Economy o Government

o Typical food o Crafts o Music

Asunción o City o Weather o Old town o Hotels o Transport

o Electricity o Health o Currency o Taxes o Credit cards and ATMs

Event o Venue o Airport o Boarding fees

o Contact o Programme o Registry

Foreign service o Visa o Embassies

Tourism o City Tour o Itaipú

o Yacyreta o Domestic tourism

2

Introduction

NATIONAL EMERGENCY SECRETARIAT (SEN)

The SEN was established by Law No. 2.615/05, regulated by Decree No. 11,632/2013, June 2005, it reports directly to the President of the Republic of Paraguay. Its role and mission are focused on disaster risk management and reduction.

The SEN is the governing body for all activities related to risk management and reduction. It seeks to ensure disaster risk mainstreaming across all civil society organizations, stakeholders and sectors, as well as government institutions, in their daily actions and plans, programmes and projects, in order to reduce hazards, vulnerabilities and risks.

UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION [UNISDR] THE AMERICAS.

As the UN office for disaster risk reduction, UNISDR supports the implementation, follow-up and review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (Sendai Framework) adopted by the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction on 18 March 2015 in Sendai, Japan. The Sendai Framework is a 15-year voluntary, non-binding agreement that maps out a broad, people-centred approach to disaster risk reduction, succeeding the Hyogo Framework for Action.

UNISDR’s mandate has been defined by a number of United Nations General Assembly Resolutions, the most notable of which is “to serve as the focal point in the United Nations system for disaster reduction coordination and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations system and regional organizations and activities in socio-economic and humanitarian fields.”

3

Logistics Note Receive our warm welcome to the First Meeting of Ministers and High-Level Authorities on the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in the Americas. The following information is provided to facilitate your participation.

Brief Historical Profile

Paraguay was discovered in 1524 by the Spanish adelantado Alejo García, establishing the "Giant Province of the Indies." Sebastian Cabot, Pedro de Mendoza, Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, Juan de Salazar Espinoza, Juan de Ayolas, Domingo Martinez de Irala and others were crucial at the time for the foundation of forts and towns and initiated, in partnership with indigenous communities, a process of social formation marked by the strength of the conquerors and the evangelizing action of the Catholic Church. The first missionaries were of the order of St. Francis of Assisi, then came the priests of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits. Both evangelizers left a cultural legacy of great importance for Paraguay. Spanish rule ended in 1811 with the revolution of May 14, when a group of patriots decided to establish an independent and sovereign country. The new Republic reached constitutional status with the Government of Don Carlos Antonio Lopez in 1844 and experienced a remarkable economic, technical and social development. Services such as the railroad, merchant shipping and telegraph were established at that time. Large and beautiful buildings were built, a shipyard and the first steel plant in America were installed. Currently, Paraguay is a social democratic state under the rule of law, whose government is performed by three powers: executive, legislature and judiciary. The territory is divided into 17 departments ruled by a governor, a departmental board. Each district has a local government headed by a municipal mayor. Multiculturalism makes Paraguay a peculiar and different country in continuous evolution. Paraguay has indigenous populations of five linguistic families, among which Guarani prevails, and immigrants from various countries around the world, contributing to the first Spanish-Guarani mixture with an extraordinary wealth of cultural expressions.

4

Geographic situation Paraguay, located in the heart of South America -a Mediterranean country between parallels 19º 18' and 27º 36' south latitude and the meridians 59º 19' and 62º 38' of west-length, is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Departments Alto Paraguay, Alto Paraná, Amambay, Boquerón, Caaguazú, Caazapá, Canindeyú, Central, Concepción, Guairá, Itapúa, Cordillera, Misiones, Ñeembucú, Paraguarí, Presidente Hayes y San Pedro.

Economy

The guaraní is the national currency unit of Paraguay. Having a free market economy, the daily trading value of the Guarani fluctuates. However, the average value for the last several years has been about 5,600 guaraníes per dollar. It is recommended that foreign exchange takes place in formal establishments like banks or exchange houses.

Government

Republic. Representative democracy. Executive (presidential system). Bicameral Legislature (Senate and Chamber of Deputies). Judiciary.

Typical food

The national cuisine of Paraguay is based on its agricultural products and meats. Its main ingredients are corn, cassava, peanuts and its best known products include the chipá, the Paraguayan soup, chipá candói, the mbejú, the chipá guasú and the kaburé. Beef is an ingredient of the so'o mbichy, the chastaca, the chipá so'o, the soyo, the bife pupú, the locro and other dishes. International cuisine features prominently with exquisite dishes and delicious desserts, not to mention the diversity of fruits much of the year. Paraguay combines finds its pre-Columbian root in the Guarani culture and the legacy of the Spanish colonization. The typical Paraguayan food is the result of the combination of Hispanic culinary techniques and the use of native products and other introduced and acclimatized by the Spaniards, such as vegetables, rice, beef, etc. The basic product of Paraguayan cuisine is milled, cooked or fermented corn as a component in the preparation of various dishes or food.

5

The most emblematic dish in Paraguay is the "Paraguayan soup", a stew resulting from mixing and boiling cornmeal, eggs, cheese, chopped onion and curdled milk. The cuisine of Paraguay has common elements across America such as the use of maize, cassava, peanuts and legumes, but also the heritage of the natural resources and culture of the Guarani and amalgam with European culture makes it unique in America and the Mercosur. The most traditional foods such as the chipa or Paraguayan bread, Paraguayan soup and a variety of desserts, delight those who enjoy tasting our dishes.

The Tereré

Yerba mate is consumed in Paraguay in three different ways, the first is the "mate" (ka'ay): a hollow gourd is filled with the yerba, then hot water is added and the infusion sipped through a metal straw called Bombilla. The second is the "mate cocido" or simply "cocido", pouring hot water over a portion of yerba previously toasted with an ember, allowed to stand and it is drunk as coffee or tea. The third way is the most popular and authentically Paraguayan: the "tereré", an onomatopoeic term that refers to the cold or iced mate prepared with the addition of medicinal herbs crushed to release their sap content in the water. No accurate data is available on the origins of tereré. Some researchers have identified signs of the consumption of yerba mate before the Spanish colonization, references to mate were found that said it was better to gradually suck the beverage with a hollow cane even with cold water. It is then presumed that this practice was not far from what has come to be known over the centuries as "tereré". In Paraguay tereré it is usually drunk in groups, family, friends, co-workers or with occasional visitors. This concoction is never denied to anyone. A round of tereré (terere jere) can last long minutes to hours; if the yerba is already washed it is replaced by new yerba and the session goes on. Many argue that a round of tereré facilitates interpersonal communication, because while one person drinks, another one speaks, others listen and everyone is involved in turn in the talk. In addition, this drink is the common heritage of all Paraguayans: men, women, the rich, the poor, learned or illiterate, old and young are all fans of this drink. Terere broke the traditional patterns of consumption. Today, beautiful portable containers are sold that allow to enjoy it while travelling, or in a football match, fishing or simply while having a long walk. For everyone and for all times, tereré is the best company.

6

Crafts

Paraguayan craft has two different trends: the indigenous and that assimilated from colonists. In the first case, the use of natural elements for craft production prevails, including feathers and leather, roots, leaves and reeds to produce fabrics, wood and clay.

It draws mainly on the elements introduced by the conquest by using fibres, metals, wood and machinery. Cotton and wool yarn, fabrics, leather treatment, stone and wood carving, jewellery, pottery and ceramics are seen in clothing, ñandutí, ao poi, ponchos, hammocks, table linen, gold and silver filigree, imagery and manufacture of musical instruments, among others.

ASUNCION Founded as a fort by Juan de Salazar Espinoza on August 15, 1537, it promptly became the "Amparo and Repair of the Conquest" because it was the centre from where conquerors left to seek gold and silver in Alto Peru. It is also known as the "Mother of Cities" because expeditions to the second foundation of Buenos Aires and other cities such as Corrientes, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Santa Fe, Villarrica and Jerez and Concepcion del Río Bermejo left from here. Another title won by Assumption was the "Cradle of Liberty of America" because it was the site and origin of the "Revolt of the Comuneros," long before the French Revolution. Paraguay's capital, Asuncion, is set on an undulating terrain characterized by its "seven hills," that somehow impose the differences in their neighbourhoods. Its elevation does not exceed 120 meters above sea level and its area covers 117 km2. According to the latest census, it has 512,000 inhabitants, although the population of the metropolitan area (Gran Asuncion) exceeds one million people. Before the Paraguayan War (1864-1870), Asuncion experienced an accelerated architectural breakthrough, but since it was occupied and looted during and after the conflagration, its development was cut short for a long time. This is observed today in the architectural contrasts of the city. Asunción is today a welcoming city, coloured with lapacho and jacaranda flowers in spring, and the nostalgia of jasmine and orange blossoms; its old buildings and modern towers, local warehouses and amazing shopping centres, its modest inns and outstanding hotels, typical food and international cuisine, crafts, the Guarani language and lilting guarania, its romantic nights and refined performances, enables the city to impregnate a genuine feeling of pleasure in the mind of visitors.

7

Airplane ticket Please bring with you the travel documents you have received. Check visa requirements for participants from outside the region. For any questions regarding your ticket please contact Tania Villagra as soon as possible [asuntosinternacionales@sen.gov.py] or Joanna Borsani [jborsani@eird.org] Hotel - airport transfer Silvio Pettirossi International Airport [Asuncion, Paraguay] has shuttle service to hotels, at the exit of the building. You can order this service at the airport terminal. This service provides comfort and safety to the transfer from the airport to your destination. The rate ranges from USD 20 to USD 40. You can also request the shuttle to your hotel. The rate ranges from USD 20 to USD 30. Asuncion Weather Tropical to subtropical, with rapid temperature changes from one season to another. The best time to visit the country is from May to September. The rest of the year it is very hot. Summer runs from December to March, and is usually very hot, while winter (June to September) is quite peaceful, with few cold days. The rains are stronger from December to March. Average temperature: 25° to 35° in summer and 10° to 20° in winter. Economy Taxes 10% VAT on hotel services, restaurants, and transfers. ATMs Cirrus, Maestro, Plus. Cash advance with international credit cards. Credit cards accepted MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Diners. Language Paraguay is a bilingual country, both Spanish and Guarani are official languages. However, almost all the population speaks Spanish. Security Although the city of Asuncion is a safe and peaceful city, for your safety please consider the following recommendations:

Do not wear jewelry when you leave the hotel, especially if you decide to walk through historic sites or uncrowded and dark areas.

8

Leave your passport, travel documents and valuables in the hotel, kept in the safe in your room. Carry only the necessary money, credit cards and identification.

Be very careful with your luggage, and especially with your electronic devices.

Time zone GMT-4. Population 6,068,000 inhabitants. Boarding fee at airport International: US $ 41. National: US $ 6. Drinking water Tap water is potable. Electricity 220 volts and 50 cycles.

9

HOTELS LA MISION HOTEL BOUTIQUE Address: Roque González No. 348 esq. Dr. Eulogio Estigarribia Phone: + 595 21 621 800 + 595 21 610 519 e-mail: reservas@lamision.com.py Website: http://www.lamision.com.py

LAS LOMAS CASA HOTEL Address: Narciso Colman No. 1909 [behind the Shopping del Sol] Phone: + 595 21 621 700 e-mail: info@laslomascasahotel.com Website: http://www.laslomascasahotel.com

LA ALONDRA HOTEL FACTORIA Address: Dr. Morra e/ Tte. Vera y Avda. España Phone: + 595 21 612 100 + 595 21 612 127 e-mail: info@laalondra.com.py Website: http://www.laalondra.com.py

SHERATON ASUNCION HOTEL Address: Avda. Aviadores del Chacho N° 2066 Phone: + 595 21 617 7000 e-mail: raquel.gavagnin@sheraton.com Website: http://www.sheraton-asuncion.com.py/

HOTEL IBIS ASUNCIÓN Address: Avda. Aviadores del Chaco N° 2060 Phone: + 595 21 620 1000 e-mail: h7324-re@accor.com Website: http://www.ibis.com/es/hotel-7324-ibis-asuncion/index.shtml

DAZZLER HOTELES Address: Avda. Aviadores del Chaco y Vasconcellos, opposite Shopping del Sol (next to World Trade Center) Phone: + 595 21 600 399 e-mail: reservas@dazzlerasuncion.com Website: https://www.dazzlerhoteles.com/es/

10

DIRECTORY OF FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN PARAGUAY

Argentina (Republic of Argentina) Address: Avenida España y Avenida Perú [Asunción, Paraguay] Phone: + 595 21 212 320/3 Fax: + 595 21 211 029 e-mail: contacto@embajada-argentina.org.py Bolivia (Plurinational State of Bolivia) Address: Campos Cervera Nº 6421 c/ R.I.2 Ytororó [Asunción, Paraguay] Phone: + 595 21 621 426 + 595 21 614 984 Fax: + 595 21 601 999 e-mail: emboliviapy@tigo.com.py Brazil (Federative Republic of Brazil) Address: Coronel Irrazábal esquina Eligio Ayala [Asunción, Paraguay] Phone: + 595 21 248 4000 Fax: + 595 21 212 693 e-mail: parbrem@embajadabrasil.org.py Chile (Republic of Chile) Address: Capitán Emilio Neudelmann 351 esquina Campos Cervera [Asunción, Paraguay] Phone: + 595 21 662 756 + 595 21 613 855 Fax: + 595 21 662 755 e-mail: echilepy@tigo.com.py Colombia (Republic of Colombia) Address: Coronel Francisco Brizuela 3089 esq. Vatican City [Asuncion, Paraguay] Phone: + 595 21 229 888/9 Fax: + 595 21 229 703 e-mail: easuncio@cancilleria.gov.co Costa Rica (Republic of Costa Rica) Address: Torreani Viera 831 casi Pacheco [Asunción, Paraguay] Phone: + 595 21 624 909 Fax: + 595 21 624 908 e-mail: embcr.py@gmail.com

11

Cuba (Republic of Cuba) Address: Luís Morales 766 casi Luís de León [Asunción, Paraguay] Phone: + 595 21 222 763 Fax: + 595 21 213 879 e-mail: embajada@embacuba.org.py Ecuador (Republic of Ecuador) Address: Doctor Bestard 861 esquina Juan XXIII [Asunción, Paraguay] Phone: + 595 21 614 814

+ 595 21 665 060 Fax: + 595- 21 614 813 e-mail: eecuparaguay@mmrree.gob.ec El Salvador [Republic of El Salvador] Adress: Moreno González 1575 c/ Avda. Mariscal López [Asunción, Paraguay] Phone: + 595 21 611 600 USA [United States of America] Address: Avda. Mariscal López 1776 [Asunción, Paraguay] Phone: + 595 21 490 686 Mexico (United Mexican States) Address: Avenida España 1428 casi San Rafael [Asunción, Paraguay] Phone: + 595 21 618 2000 Fax: + 595 21 606 425 e-mail: embamex@embamex.com.py Panama (Republic of Panama) Address: Carmen Soler 3912 esquina Radio Operadores del Chaco [Asunción, Paraguay] Phone: + 595 21 211 091 e-mail: embapana@gmail.com Peru (Republic of Peru) Address: Acá Carayá 215 esquina Corrales [Asunción, Paraguay] Phone: +595 21 607 431 Fax: + 595 21 607 327 e-mail: embperú@embperú.com.py

12

Uruguay (Eastern Republic of Uruguay) Address: Avenida Boggiani 5832 entre Alas Paraguayas y R.I.6 Boquerón [Asunción, Paraguay] Phone: + 595 21 664 244/6 Fax: + 595 21 601 335 e-mail: uruasun@embajadauruguay.com.py Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela) Address: Soldado Desconocido 348 [Asunción, Paraguay] Phone: +595 21 664 682 +595 21 609 302 Fax: +595 21 664 683 e-mail: embve.pryas@mppre.gob.ve

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Emergencies: 141 + 595 21 290 336 Police: 911+595 21 411 111 Medical Emergencies: +595 21204800 Ambulance: + 595 21 204 799 Fire Police: 131 +595 21 498 777 Volunteer Firefighters: 132 + 595 21 480 000 Silvio Pettirossi International Airport: + 595 21 646 094 National Emergency Secretariat: + 595 98 Radio Taxi: + 595 21 550 116 + 595 21 311 080

13

Historical buildings, museums and cultural centres.

Government Palace: The Independent Paraguayan and Ayolas and O'Leary. It is the seat of the executive power. Friday 8:00 to 17:00 only on request via note to State Ceremonial. [+595 021 414 0220] Cultural Centre of the City "Manzana de la Rivera:" Ayolas 129 c/ El Paraguayo Independiente. Municipal library. Museum. Theatre. Monday to Friday 7:00 - 19:00. Saturday and Sunday 08:00 - 18:00. [+595 021 442 448] Bar Casa Clari: in the Manzana de la Rivera opposite the Palace of Government. Monday to Sunday 08:00 - 00:30. [+595 021 496 476] Casa de la Independencia: 14 de mayo / Presidente Franco. Built in 1772. Monday to Friday 7:00 - 17:30 and Saturdays 08:00 - 13:00. [+595 021 493 918] Municipal Theatre "Ignacio A. Pane”: Presidente Franco / Alberdi. Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:00 and Saturday 10:00 - 12:00. [+595 021 445 169] "Our Lady of the Assumption" Chapel and "National Pantheon of the Heroes": Palma / Chile. Construction began in 1864 and was completed in 1936, after the Chaco War. Monday to Sunday 07:00 - 18:30. Cabildo Museum - Cultural Centre of the Republic: El Paraguayo Independiente / Chile y Alberdi. Tuesday to Friday 09:00 - 19:00. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 09:00 - 17:00. [+ 595 21 443 094] Cathedral Church: Independencia Nacional / Mariscal López. Monday to Friday 08:00 - 11:00 and 14:00 - 17:00. [+595 21 449 512] National Museum of Fine Arts: Eligio Ayala 1345 / Paí Perez and Curupayty. Collection of paintings and engravings from different periods, schools and national and international authors. Monday to Saturday 08:00 - 18:00. [+ 595 21 211 578] Cultural Centre and Museum of Sacred Art: Manuel Dominguez / Paraguarí. Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 - 18:00. [+ 595 21 449 439] Church of the Incarnation: Haedo / 14 de mayo. Designed after the Renaissance cathedrals. One of the largest temples in Asuncion. Monday to Friday 08:00 - 11:00 and 16:00 - 20:00. [+595 21 490 860] Church of the Holy Trinity: Avda. Santísima Trinidad / Sacramento. Its retablo and paintings make it one of the most beautiful churches in the country. Monday to Friday 08:00 - 11:30 and 15:00 - 20:00. [+595 21 290 202] Ethnographic Museum "Dr. Andrés Barbero": España 2174 / Mompox. Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:00. [+595 21 441 696] Museum of the Central Railway Station Carlos Antonio Lopez: Eligio Ayala / Mexico. Monday to Friday 07:00 - 15:00. Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 - 13:00. [+595 21 447 848/9] Visual Arts Centre - Museo del Barro: Grabadores del Cabichuí e/ Emeterio Miranda y Cañada. Tuesday: 15:30 - 20:00. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 09:00 - 12:00 and 15:30 - 20:00. [+595 21 607 996] Memories Museum: Chile 1072. Monday to Friday 07:00 - 17:00. [+595 21 493 873] Crafts in the Microcentro Turista Róga: Palma 468. [+595 21 494 110]

14

La Recova: Colón e/ Pte. Franco y Benjamín Constant. Plaza de la Libertad: Chile e/ Oliva y Estrella. Proposed maps for downtown and historic sites: https://issuu.com/jbproducciones/docs/quick_noviembre_2015 [p. 11, 14 and 19]

ITAIPU DAM

A concrete structure built to contain the flow of the Paraná River and create the power plant's reservoir. It is the point where electricity generating units are installed. The panoramic view from the central belvedere Paraguayan side is possible with the tourist tour. Knowing the inside of the plant, is possible through the Special and Technical visit, which also includes a tour to the Central Mirador - Paraguayan side. Wearing sandals and shorts inside the dam is not allowed during the visit. The minimum age to access internal Itaipu facilities is 15 years. TOURIST VISIT It consists of an external tour and the panoramic view of the dam, the visit is by company-owned bus (for individual visitors) or tourist bus, for those who make part of excursions. The bus service is available from 8:00 to 16:00 pm, with a frequency of 1 hour. Before departure a documentary about Itaipu whose of approximately 1:30 pm is shown. It is available on both banks. For more information: Paraguay 595 61 599 8040 / 8094 / 8069 / 8070 / cturistico@itaipu.gov.py Brazil 55 45 3520-6676 / fax 55 45 3520-6398 / reservas@turismoitaipu.com.br Buy tickets online (in Brazil only): http://www.turismoitaipu.com.br

YACYRETA DAM

The Yacyreta dam is named after the island where the hydroelectric plant was installed on the Parana River, about 2 km downstream of the Apipé rapids, about 80 km west of the city of Encarnacion (Paraguay) and Posadas (Argentina), 300 km southeast of Asuncion and 1,000 km north of Buenos Aires. This Guarani word that has two meanings: "place where the moon shines" and "place of difficult waters". Tour hours: 8:30 - 10:00 and 14:00. Requirement: identity card. For more information: Office of Public Relations and Press in the city of Ayolas (+ 595 72 222 141/8) and Asuncion (+ 595 21445055).